JOIN USAcademic schedule will be disrupted, schools say
The statewide survey to identify Out Of School Children has put schools in Bangalore in a bind. They say teachers’ mandatory participation in the exercise would mean the academic activities will be disrupted.
Teachers have pointed out that not only will they find it difficult to complete the syllabus but their absence from schools will also create problems for ensuring students’ safety and security.
The principal of a government school here said that out of 18 teachers in his institution, 14 would have to be deputed for the survey. Thus, only four teachers would be left to manage a school of 600-odd students from November 13 to 17 — the survey dates.
“We have to monitor midday meals, Ksheera Bhagya (free milk for schoolchildren) and children’s safety,” the principal said. The Department of Public Instruction (DPI), instead of disrupting the academic calendar, should find other ways to conduct the survey.
“I see this survey as our duty, but it is also our duty to ensure smooth conduct of academic activities,” he added. Deputing schoolteachers for surveys, etc throughout the academic year was one of the reasons for government schools not functioning to their full potential, he added.
Private schools too are unhappy. D Shashi Kumar, Organising Secretary, Karnataka State Private School Managements Federation, said they would apprise the DPI Commissioner about difficulties in running schools without adequate staff.
Gayathri, a private school principal, said, “This is the peak of academic period. We get 40-50 working days in November and December. The survey will affect completion of syllabus. What should we explain to parents?”
The government should have taken up the survey at least during vacation. “Officials say we are duty bound and they would serve us notice if we fail to take part in the survey,” she said. The government should depute three or four teachers from each school and the survey can last longer so that all children can be covered, teachers added.